Preparing agricultural buildings for winter

It will soon be winter and the onset of increasing energy bills and structural repairs if farm buildings are not maintained against harsh, wintry conditions. A superior performing insulant which also provides structural stability can help to save on energy bills as well as strengthening the building substrate – after all it’s not a pretty site when the roof is blown off!

Polyurethane foam systems can provide the ideal solution for agricultural buildings as large areas can be insulated quickly for insulation, stability and condensation control. Where buildings have been subject to a change of use, spray-applied and injected polyurethane can achieve high U-values outperforming many other insulants. The insulant can be applied to most building substrates and will fill voids which might otherwise be difficult to reach with other materials.

Where agricultural properties are likely to be flooded, sprayed or injected polyurethane can be used for wall insulation. If the building is exposed to flood waters, the polyurethane foam insulation will not be damaged and will not need removal or replacement. There are closed cell materials which provide superior insulation, retain their integrity and have low moisture take-up.

Closed cell polyurethane foam for insulating farm buildings has been around for over 30 years. The polyurethane insulant is a two-component liquid system which produces a highly-efficient blanket of insulation with an exceptional thermal conductivity figure. In shops and warehouses large areas can be installed very quickly. Systems can be applied to various depths and have K-values in the range of 0.025 to 0.028W/mK.

A professional installer will assess suitability by undertaking a survey and carrying out any necessary remedial works before spraying the insulant. Farmers or those specifiers looking to upgrade farm buildings can find professional installers offering excellent advice and quality installations from the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association (BUFCA) website.

BUFCA is the national trade association representing installers of sprayed and injected polyurethane foam. Installers have to ensure that high standards are maintained and work to the association’s Code of Professional Practice.

By using spray-applied polyurethane foam, farm buildings can be better protected from wintry weather conditions and farmers can make substantial savings on their energy bills. Not to mention better protection for livestock and crops throughout the farming season with a far more consistent internal temperature.

http://www.bufca.co.uk/specifiers/agriculture/